Profile: Doug Ulman

Meet Doug Ulman. President / CEO of Pelotonia.

Name: Doug Ulman

Job: President / CEO of Pelotonia

City: Columbus

Hometown: Columbia, MD

Q: What do you do at Pelotonia?
We build community in an effort to tackle one of the world’s greatest challenges. None of us can solve the cancer burden on our own but collectively, with tens of thousands of others, we can pursue our unified one goal. Through cycling and fundraising we bring people together to fund innovative cancer research that is transforming the lives of people across the country and around the world.

Q: What’s a problem that you are working to solve? 
Our team has been working to create a technological experience that closely mimics the emotional and physical feeling of participating in Pelotonia in person.

Like so many other organizations, we’ve been forced to pivot our model due to COVID-19 this year. With our community unable to gather in August for our traditional, mass-physical Ride weekend event, we quickly turned to technology to create that same feeling of impact and community that our Ride weekend embodies.

We recently launched My Pelotonia, which allows participants around the world to continue to engage with our mission and raise funds for cancer research this year simply by setting a goal – whether that is a physical goal like walking, running, cycling or a goal more focused on volunteering, etc. We expect that this will continue to be a part of our model for years to come.

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that has helped shaped your work? 
Constantly seeking ways to express gratitude is critical. None of us can achieve success on our own and our individual and collective impact depends on each other. We are witnessing the greatest example ever of this as it relates to COVID-19 and our behavior.

Acknowledging the contributions and impact of others routinely is both important and therapeutic. One of the core values of our team at Pelotonia is to express gratitude often and personally – and our goal is that each person who is involved with our mission feels personally recognized and stewarded for their contributions. For me, that means consistently taking time to recognize others – through handwritten notes, phone calls, etc.

Q: What’s a trend in technology or innovation that you believe doesn’t get enough attention? 
For quite some time, there was the idea that social networking and connectivity was helping to bring the world together. The reality that I believe we’re seeing now is that social networking and connectivity can also create a more isolated and distant population. This, in turn, causes many other physical, social, and economic challenges. There is tremendous opportunity and power in digital connection and social media, but I think it’s worth exploring it further through this lens.

Q: What’s one moonshot idea that could help make Ohio a world leader in technology and innovation? 
Imagine if we could offer free higher education for all who graduate from their respective programs in the State of Ohio, who commit to stay here for five years post-graduation. If we could eliminate debt and keep our best and brightest talent in the State, it would be a gamechanger. There is tremendous excitement and opportunity here in the Midwest but we are competing with technology and innovation opportunities elsewhere. Incentivizing these bright young minds to invest their skills and careers here would have a substantial long-term impact on our economy.

Q: What’s a recent book, podcast or news story that you found interesting? 
Too many to name but the 1619 podcasts from the NYT is incredible powerful and educational at this moment. I also read Man’s Search for Meaning once each year and highly recommend it for anyone seeking to learn about human psychology, overcoming the harshest and most inhumane adversity, and the purpose of life.

Q: What's your favorite place in Ohio? 
The cultural amenities of Columbus are my favorite. Franklin Park Conservatory. COSI. The Metro Parks.

Q: What makes Ohio special to you?  
The people. The combination of Midwest humility and the drive and ambition to create collaborative solutions is inspiring.  

Connect with Doug on LinkedIn.

***The need for cancer research funding is greater than ever – and Pelotonia's created something to make your experience even more personal this year. Start your legendary journey by watching this short video, then join at www.mypelotonia.org to declare your 2020 Pelotonia goals today!

100% of every dollar raised at Pelotonia directly funds innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital. And to date, Pelotonia's community has raised more than $210 million for cancer research.